Thesaurus results for DOTS

dots 1 of 2

noun

plural of dot

as in flecks

a small area that is different (as in color) from the main part there was just a dot on the tablecloth where the food had spattered

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dots

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of dot

as in sprays

to cover by or as if by scattering something over or on a hillside dotted with wildflowers

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in sprinkles

to mark with small spots especially unevenly the practice of some chefs of positioning a small portion of food in the center and dotting the rest of the plate with sauce

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of dots

Noun

Yayoi Kusama, whose obsessive repetitions of dots and nets became a means of expressing infinity, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary art worldwide, died on August 14 of multiple organ failure at a hospital in Tokyo. — Tessa Solomon For Artnews, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026 Repetitive motifs in various shapes were her trademark, resembling netting, swirls or worms, but most often dots, dancing proudly on her canvases or as sparkling balls or dots of light in her installations in all their vibrant, psychedelic glory. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 There are way too many dots, which is not a bad problem to have. — Ashwin R. Vasavada, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 Users share their experiences and connect dots that, oftentimes, doctors have ignored. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 27 Aug. 2026 This shift occasioned the profligate production that would mark her oeuvre, with Kusama going on to make hundreds of paintings in which forests of lines and dots cradled variously floral and phallic figures. — News Desk, Artforum, 27 Aug. 2026 Patterns like mini florals or dots add a touch of her country aesthetic to your walls, bedspread, or upholstered furniture. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Aug. 2026 Huge size and energy NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) previously spotted unidentified little red dots in space in 2024 that scientists have now designated as a new astrophysical source, according to a study published in the journal Nature. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 26 Aug. 2026 Ars Video When activated, Motion Assist adds small dots around the edges of your phone screen over top of the content. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2026

Verb

Prepare to be dazzled from Warsaw’s highest viewing terrace atop Varso Tower, which proudly dots the skyline, before eating your way through the innovative food halls that define the coolest neighborhoods. — Kasia Dietz, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2026 Japanese linens top the bed, and designer furniture dots the living space. — Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2026 Barnett dots up Knight for a 57-yard catch-and-run. — Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 28 Oct. 2025 Rather than the stiff alien chitchat that dots his own screenplays, the characters in The Favourite trade the witty, venomous bon mots of The Great creator Tony McNamara. — A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025 The $3,211 per month maintenance fees cover a part-time doorman and a fitness studio, while the location provides easy access to Madison Square Park plus all the shopping and dining that dots the area. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 22 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dots

Noun

The soup itself has an almost lemon curd-like acidity and sweetness, and it’s laced with flecks of fresh corn and tiny diced pieces of zucchini.

— Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Amid his vast responsibilities running all the departments in the Giants’ front office, Zaidi still found the time to pore over MLB Draft League statistics and look for flecks of gold.

— Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of flecks

Verb

In a photo of West Pine Cliff Court, burned homes surround one still standing, as a firefighter sprays down the walls and roof facing the engulfed house next door.

— Amanda Jackson, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
In the confusion, Paula is able to subdue Sky by nailing his hand to the ground and then sprays Ashley in the face with the dry shampoo before fleeing the scene.

— Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 June 2026

Definition of sprays

Verb

Kemery sprinkles the tiny seeds either in late fall or very early spring, when there’s still a chance of frost, since cold spells offer the best germination.

— SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 July 2026
Thomson sprinkles critique throughout his book like seasoning unevenly applied to a gamey piece of meat.

— Michael O’Donnell, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026

Definition of sprinkles

Verb

Lacy, who is famously fluid in his sexuality and laughs off any attempt to define it, peppers his songs with dreams of men and women, of wanting each yet leaving everyone.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026
Instead, each child interacts only with a sophisticated artificial intelligence, which peppers them with questions about everything from mathematics to philosophy.

— Niral Shah, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025

Definition of peppers

Verb

Burns didn't become a five-time PGA Tour winner, contend for major championships and earn five consecutive Team USA spots without pouring himself into the game.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
When the camera spots something that matches, or resembles, the image of the target, the drone flies into it and explodes.

— Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of spots

Verb

The self-tan wipes are easy to apply and contain exfoliating acids that smooth the skin, plus encapsulated DHA (the ingredient that stains the skin) to leave behind a radiant tan.

— Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 13 Aug. 2026
Homemade plum compote stains the filling with a vibrant red ribbon.

— Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of stains

Browse Nearby Words

doting (on)

dots

dotted

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Style

“Dots.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dots. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of dots

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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